In the letter to Commissioner Cerf, HRC President Joe Solmonese cites Knox’s now-damaged credibility to act as a trusted and caring advisor to LGBT students in her school, and the dangerous message her behavior sends to those who seek to bully or harass LGBT youth:

“We respect Ms. Knox’s right to hold her own personal views – even when we vehemently disagree. However, to disseminate such vitriol in an angry and public fashion crosses the line. Ms. Knox’s actions have damaged her credibility with LGBT students who now will no longer feel comfortable turning to her if they themselves are bullied or face harassment in school or their community. Furthermore, her actions send a message to other students that it’s acceptable to lash out against LGBT students and those who support them.

“Regardless of her personal views, Ms. Knox’s first and foremost responsibility as an educator is to look out for the best interests of her students – whether it’s their educational development, their ability to feel welcome and respected in their school environment, or their safety. Her remarks make it clear she can’t perform that task.”

As of Friday afternoon, less than 24 hours after launching a petition, over 40,000 HRC members and supporters had signed up urging Union Township Schools Superintendent Dr. Patrick Martin to take appropriate action against Knox. Those looking to sign the petition can act here. For the latest, please visit www.hrc.org/callitout.

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

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To contact HRC please visit our contact us page. If you are a member of the media, you can reach our press office at: (202) 772-3889 or email press@hrc.org.

Top 5 Things to Know About LGBT Issues

There are roughly 9 million LGBT people in the US and more than 650,000 same-sex couples.

19% of same-sex couples are raising children according to the US Census Bureau's 2011 American Community Survey.

There is no federal law that consistently protects LGBT individuals from employment discrimination; there are no state laws in 29 states that explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, and in 32 states that do so based on gender identity.

More than 100 anti-LGBT bills have been filed in 29 state legislatures.

Marriage equality became the law of the land in June 2015 after the Supreme Court of the United States found bans on same-sex marriage to be unconstitutional-and that the fundamenal right to marriage is a fundamental right for all.